A Pakistani national aboard the Iraqi commercial vessel MT R Ocean was denied entry into India after the ship docked at Karnataka’s Karwar Port on May 12, the Indian Coast Guard confirmed. The vessel, which was transporting bitumen from Iraq, had 14 Indian crew members, two Syrian nationals, and one Pakistani citizen on board, with an Indian captain in command.
Following strict instructions from Police Inspector Nischal Kumar, the Pakistani and Syrian nationals were not permitted to disembark, citing deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. In accordance with the directive, the captain also seized the mobile phones of the foreign nationals onboard. After completing the unloading process, the ship departed for Iraq, Karwar port officials stated.
The move comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Subsequently, India has cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens and imposed a blanket ban on their entry into the country.
During his visit to Srinagar on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed troops at Badami Bagh Cantonment, praising the armed forces for the precision and impact of Operation Sindoor. “Our forces have shown the world that their aim is precise and pinpoint. The task of counting is left to the enemies,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister also raised international concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities. “Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” Singh asserted.
He concluded his address by expressing gratitude to India’s soldiers, stating, “I come here today with a message from the people of India: ‘We are proud of our Forces’.”